After a $16 billion Stargate AI data center was built despite being voted down, Michigan towns rush to block new buildouts — massive facility will suck 1.4 gigawatts of energy to power ChatGPT

Michigan municipalities are pushing back on new data centers after a court challenge allowed a $16 billion OpenAI-Oracle Stargate campus to advance in Saline Township.

The project’s huge power demand, about 1.4 gigawatts, has intensified concerns over grid strain, water use, and local land-use impacts.

At least 19 Michigan cities and townships have adopted moratoriums on new data centers, with more county, utility, and state efforts under way.

The backlash could shape how hyperscale AI infrastructure is approved in Michigan and beyond.